CDS, NDA and NA Exams to Be Held in Dehradun on September 13; 21,798 Candidates to Appear at 54 Centres
District administration reviews preparations; officials directed to strictly follow UPSC guidelines and ensure foolproof arrangements at all examination centres
Dehradun, September 11, 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Combined Defence Services (CDS), National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) examinations across the country on Sunday, September 13, 2026. In Dehradun district, a total of 54 examination centres have been designated for the examinations, where 21,798 candidates are scheduled to appear.
In view of the examinations, the district administration has stepped up preparations to ensure their smooth, peaceful and orderly conduct. Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) K.K. Mishra held a meeting with Sector Magistrates and examination centre administrators to review the arrangements and issue necessary directions.
The Additional District Magistrate directed officials to ensure strict compliance with all guidelines, protocols and prescribed standards issued by the UPSC. He stressed that all necessary arrangements must be completed well in advance and that there should be no negligence at any level during the examination process.
Physical inspection of centres a day before exam
K.K. Mishra directed all centre administrators to conduct a physical inspection of their respective examination centres one day before the examination. They were asked to verify essential arrangements, including electricity, seating, drinking water, cleanliness, entry arrangements, security and other facilities.
He further directed officials to ensure that, after receiving the sealed examination boxes, each centre provides details regarding the number and particulars of the boxes received within the stipulated time.
8,001 candidates for CDS and 13,797 for NDA-NA
During the meeting, officials from the Commission briefed the participants on the examination guidelines and arrangements. According to the information provided, 8,001 candidates will appear for the CDS examination, while 13,797 candidates will appear for the NDA and NA examinations in Dehradun.
Together, a total of 21,798 candidates are expected to take the examinations at the designated centres across the district.
CDS exam to be conducted in three shifts
The CDS examination will be conducted in three shifts:
- First shift: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Second shift: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Third shift: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
The NDA and NA examinations will be conducted in two shifts:
- First shift: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
- Second shift: 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Security arrangements to remain a priority
The Additional District Magistrate directed officials to ensure adequate security arrangements at all examination centres, in accordance with UPSC-prescribed standards. Special emphasis was placed on the secure handling of examination material, entry arrangements and coordination among Sector Magistrates and centre administrators.
Officials were instructed to work in close coordination and ensure that all arrangements are reviewed once again before the examination begins. The administration stressed that the examination must be conducted in a peaceful, transparent and seamless manner, with no compromise on the prescribed standards or security protocols.
